Dáil Me In!
Oireachtas Preview | 24th – 26th February 2026
Last week in Dáil Eireann the announcement and subsequent pause of the Special Needs Assistants review dominated much of the discourse. That’s after it emerged that the National Council for Special Education issued letters to several schools advising them that they could lose part of their SNA allocation.
However just 20 minutes before Leader’s Questions on Tuesday, the Department of Education decided to pause the review after a wide backlash. It didn’t do much to stop days of questions from TD’s.
Here’s a quick recap of some of the exchanges….
This matter is back on the agenda this week through a Sinn Féin motion and Governments Statements on Special Needs Assistants.
Also up for discussion, healthcare access, fishing quotas, climate policy, international protection, homelessness and artificial intelligence regulation. With a mix of Private Members’ motions, Government statements and progressing legislation.
👀And watch out for former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and former Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams make an appearance before the Committee on Foreign Affairs!!
🗓️Tuesday 24th February
📢Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023 - Referral to Committee:
This Bill moves to detailed scrutiny at Committee Stage. It proposes prohibiting investment of public funds in companies operating in illegal Israeli settlements.
It has had a contested and closely watched journey in Dáil Éireann. Originally introduced as an opposition measure, it progressed through Second Stage following a substantive debate on Ireland’s position regarding occupied Palestinian territories and the role of public investment policy.
Its advancement to Committee Stage marks a significant procedural step. Expect robust debate at committee stage.
📢Statements on Fishing Quotas
TDs will debate fishing quotas, recent statements in Dáil Éireann have highlighted significant challenges facing the fishing sector in 2026 due to severe quota reductions
Fishing quotas directly affect the seafood sector, coastal economies, logistics providers, and exporters. Representative bodies in agri-food, marine industries, and regional development should pay attention to potential policy shifts or funding supports.
📢Sinn Féin Motion re Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)
Following on from last week, Sinn Féin say this motion gives the Government a chance to ‘end the confusion’ around the Special Needs Assistants allocation review.
The party have described Government’s handling of the situation as ‘chaotic’. They have called on the Minister to ‘confirm unequivocally that no school will lose SNA support as a result of this flawed process.’
Education providers, school management bodies, disability advocacy groups, and HR-focused organisations should monitor.
📢Questions to the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment
Parliamentary Questions to the Minister responsible for climate and energy policy.
Expect scrutiny relating to energy prices, grid infrastructure, renewables, retrofitting schemes, and climate targets. Businesses in construction, energy, manufacturing, and sustainability services should watch for policy signals.
🗓️Wednesday 25th February
📢Social Democrats Motion on Expanding Access to GP Care
The Social Democrats had undertaken a public survey on General Practitioners services in Ireland. Now they will table a motion on widening access to GP services.
Healthcare representative groups, insurers, employers providing health benefits, and primary care networks should note potential cost and capacity implications. Expanded eligibility for GP care can have workforce and funding consequences.
📢Government Statements on Special Needs Assistants
Following Tuesday’s opposition motion, the Government will set out its formal position on SNAs.
The Government will aim to provide clarity on this matter as advocacy groups across the country prepare to protest.
📢Government Statements: Apology related to childhood abuse (Hunger Strikers)
The Government is expected to make a formal statement connected to historic abuse issues.
It follows a hunger strike by survivors of industrial school abuse which lasted for over 50 days.
Beyond its social and historical importance, organisations involved in care, advocacy, compliance, safeguarding, and governance should be monitor.
📢International Protection Bill 2026 — Committee and Remaining Stages
Back on the agenda again this week, This legislation aims to overhaul Ireland’s asylum system by replacing the 2015 framework, aligning Irish law with the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, and speeding up decision-making.
The Government came in for much criticism on how this particular piece of legislation is proceeding…..
…we can expect more fiery debate this week!
🗓️Thursday 26th February
📢Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Social Protection
Questions to the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, are likely to focus on cost-of-living supports, welfare rate adequacy, pension auto-enrolment progress and the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.
TDs may also raise disability payment delays, carer supports, labour market activation measures and compliance issues.
📢Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Transport
Transport Minster, Darragh O’ Brien will be taking questions from TD’s. Hot topics at the moment include concerns from the Taxi industry around the introduction to the market of Uber and Bolt, the airport passenger cap and wider public transport issues and infrastructure.
📢Government Statements on Homelessness
There are currently over 16 and half thousand people in state-supported emergency accommodation, over 5 thousand of these are children.
The Dáil will debate and hear updates on housing supply, emergency accommodation, and homelessness strategy. Housing bodies, financial institutions, charities, and local business groups will be alert to funding measures, regulatory reforms, and supply-side initiatives.
📢Motion on “First Interim Report” of the Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence
This is the first report of the Committee and reflects the work done over its first seven meetings.
The Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence was established to examine and make recommendations on Ireland’s approach to the development, deployment, regulation, and ethical considerations of AI. They’ll also look at how AI might support economic growth, innovation, public trust, and societal benefit while safeguarding rights and mitigating risks.
Technology firms, professional services, higher education institutions, and sectoral associations should assess potential regulatory direction and compliance implications.
Seanad Spotlight!!
In the Upper House this week we can expect Statements on Bluetongue, The National Volunteering Strategy, Defence Matters, Seachtain na Gaeilge and Online Safety.
Bills up for debate include the Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025, Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, and Institutional Burials Bill.
Oireachtas committees – Ones to Watch! 👀
🗓️Tuesday
· The Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs will discuss the sustainable management of cray fishing. National Inshore Fisherman’s Association and the Irish Wildlife Trust will be among those in attendance.
· The Committee on Artificial Intelligence will discuss recent issues around images, deepfakes and consent. Reps from Google, the Data Protection Commission and Coimisiún na Meán will be answering questions.
· Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams will be in the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade to discuss Peace Building in the Middle East and to reflect on Ireland’s peace process
· The Committee on Public Petitions will discuss a petition to which aims to ensure that Someone Presenting as Suicidal Should Not Have to Go Through A&E - Establish Mental Health A&Es & 24/7 Crisis Care Centres
· The Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage will dig into changing demographics, depopulation in rural Ireland and housing strategy
🗓️Wednesday
· The Minister for Transport, Darragh O’ Brien, will be in front of The Transport Committee.
· The Health Committee will discuss the National Maternity Strategy. Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, Health Service Executive and other HSE/Department reps will be in attendance.
· Minister Emer Higgins, will be before the Committee on Disability Matters
· Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will gather in the AV Room of Leinster house to launch Joint Committee Report on Apprenticeships
· There will be Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Private Wires Bill by the Climate, Energy and the Environment Committee
· The Committee on Education and Youth will welcome reps from the Department of Education and Youth and the State Examinations Commission to discuss the future and current plans for the school building unit.
· Reps from Coimisiún na Meán and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport will be back before the Media Committee for Further consideration of Regulation of online platforms and supports to improve safety and participation
· Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon will appear before the Committee on Agriculture and Food
🗓️THURSDAY
· Minister Norma Foley will appear before the Committee on Children and Equality to discuss State provided childcare places and early childcare matters.
· Minister Helen McEntee will answer question in front of the Committee on Defence and National Security.
· Representatives from the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána will appear before the Committee on Drug Use.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay strategic.
Pathway PR & Media
Media Intelligence | Public Affairs | Strategic Communications